MasterChef Junior: Show Alum Ben Watkins Dead At 14 After Cancer Battle
Ben Watkins, a season six competitor on MasterChef Junior, died of cancer on Monday, November 16 at just 14 years old. His former competitors and the show crew sent him messages of encouragement throughout his treatment and are raising money for a memorial fund in his name.
Viewers loved how Watkins inspired them and brought so much joy to the audience. Watkins, when he wasn't on the show, worked at his family's restaurant: Big Ben's Bodacious BBQ. His parents were killed in a murder-suicide three years ago in September 2017, leaving him in the custody of his uncle and grandmother. Despite the trauma, Watkins retained "strength, courage, and love of life," according to a statement his family made on November 16. He was truly a shining star on the show.
On November 17, TMZ delivered the shocking announcement of Watkins' death. He was treated at the Lurie's Children Hospital of Chicago after he received a diagnosis of Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma, an extremely rare illness that only afflicted five other people in the entire world. At 13, doctors found a soft tissue tumor that was the first sign of the illness. Since only six people in the world have faced this form of cancer, treatment was extremely difficult. Donna and Anthony Edwards, Watkins' grandmother and uncle, released a statement about how Watkins received love from those in his hometown and from all over the globe, thanking people for supporting Watkins during his short career as a chef.
Gordon Ramsay responded to the news of Watkins' death, tweeting, "We lost a Master of the @MasterChefJrFOX kitchen today. Ben, you were an incredibly talented home cook and even stronger young man. Your young life had so many tough turns but you always persevered. Sending all the love to Ben Watkins’ family with this terrible loss Gx." Ramsay is known for being tough on adult chefs, but he is patient and sweet with children. Ramsay knew kids would learn from their mistakes, but felt adults knew better. He also respected determined young chefs. See his tweet in honor of Watkins below:
ScreenRant sends condolences to Watkins's loved ones for their loss. Viewers of the show and fans of Watkins are encouraged to donate to the memorial fund for ongoing cancer research. Watkins was an optimist, who faced life with patience and courage. He will be sorely missed.
Source: TMZ
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